when trying to find a job in law enforcement, will drugs completely disqualify you?

Question

I hate to admit that I have used an illegal substance in my past, past as in high school and 1st year college. I will be graduating this year and wanted to know exactly how the background check works? I've heard that local PD'S do polygraph test with a background check of 3 yrs. I've also heard that certain agencies don't polygraph you but just give you a reg. drug test.

I no longer use or have used an illegal substance since 2005, and even then it was not habitual. It was more like "experimenting" or once here & there. Since then, I have volunteered & done community service for the city, the hospital, & church.

Is it better in telling the truth during the test and if so will it completely jeprodize my career in the CJ system? Does community service help & show that I have matured? What can I do?

Answer 1

Let's think about this one for a moment. ALL of us at one point in time have done something we regret. Even the law enforcement. Some of us just have not gotten caught. I am in the process of joining the Indiana State Police. My next hurdle is the polygraph (most agencies now a days make this a mandatory step) and if I lie about anything i.e. drug use, the person administrating it will definitely pick up on this. There goes my whole career. If in doubt, tell the truth. Honesty is the best policy. Good Luck.

Answer 2

First you have to tell the truth, they will use a polygraph to check questions about drug use and theft.

Also alot of departments have strict rules, so if you had any illegal drug use, you can't work there. so about 1/2 of the departments are ruled out with one illegal drug use.

Others will not care if it has been a while ( and two years is not a while) so most will rule this as almost current use)

But telling the truth is always best, since if you get hired on a lie, and someone knows this, they can blackmail you, making it alot worst.

And by the way, I was a child of the 60's, so I used drugs 1000' of time over many years, and I was able to work for the Justice Dept in a law enforcement rating, worked for state corrections and a state police agency with ability to work for several other departments,

Answer 3

Here's what I know having actually been through several background processes personally and having assisted with investigations in the past.

The drug use MAY disqualify you, depending on the drug(s) used and the policy of the specific department you apply at.

Lying on your application WILL get you disqualified, not only from that position, but from all positions you apply at after that.

The drug use will be revealed in your background investigation, even if there is no polygraph or CVSA test conducted. And they will go back farther than three years in the investigation. To get the job I have now, I had to list every place I had EVER lived, every job I have EVER had, and every school I have EVER attended.

Be honest, it is your only chance to get hired.

Answer 4

Drug use may not completely disqualify you from law enforcement jobs. However it is a strike against you. All you can do is apply, and hope for the best. No one can predict whether they will hire you, or not.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

my adveice is Not To Volunteer information unless absolutely necessary. it they asked you about it --- then confess.. if they don't take it against, then good for you.. but if they do take it against you, then think about an alternative career. you're just graduating and many, many options are available.

you have turned a new leaf and have something to show for..
goodluck!

Answer 7

i hope so